The Riviera Maya lies just south of Cancun, Mexico. The Riviera Maya stretches along the Yucatan Peninsula from Puerto Morelos just south to Tulum. The Riviera Maya is comprised of Puerto Morelos, Playa Del Carmen & Tulum and everything in between. This guide will cover the best things to do on the Rivera Maya.
How to Get to the Riviera Maya
You can rent a car or a taxi after you arrive in Cancun, Mexico. It is not advisable to arrange shuttle service for a group of people or a public van. They don’t offer refunds, and aren’t responsible if they make you late for your flight. They are always late or don’t show up. Taxi cabs are faster, and you can bargain a price with them before you ride.
Puerto Morelos
Visit Puerto Morelos first. Puerto Morelos has beautiful beaches. This was my favourite beach in the Riviera Maya. Puerto Morelos has no seaweed problem, but Tulum does.
You must visit a Cenote while visiting the Riviera maya. There are many centoes in this area. One road has more than 15 cenotes. This road has cenotes of all types, including those with zip lines and cave-like centoes. There are both open and closed cenotes. Ruta De Los Centoes is the name of the road. A car is required or you can go on a guided tour. Taxis are another option, but they can be expensive as the driver would wait and sit for you.
The Best Cave Cenotes in Puerto Morelos
Kin ha This is a cenote with the option of swimming or paddleboarding. You can jump in the cenote at Kin Ha from a height of about 20 feet. This cenote is shaded, so you won’t get a sunburn. This cenote costs about $10 per person.
La Noria This cave cenote is closed. The entrance fee is approximately $18 USD, or $300 Pesos. This cenote has a zipline. If you are looking for a cenote without sun and a zipline, this is the best option. Cenotes in caves or those that are closed tend to be cooler.
Cenotes For Zip-Lining
Flora Blanca This cenote has three zip lines at different heights. The Blanca Flora Cenote is accessible from the Kin Ha Cenote Park. This cenote is very quiet and secluded. This cenote can only be accessed by visiting Kin Ha. It’s a more private cenote, and isn’t very well advertised. There is transportation to Flora Blanca. Cenotes are a bit more expensive and off the beaten track. They provide life jackets and a guide for zip lining. This was my favorite Cenote!
Verde Lucero – This open cenote has a zipline. The Verde Lucero is open from 9 am to 5 pm. Check out the Facebook page to see some videos and photos.
Cenote Parks in the Best Condition
Cenote Zapote This park offers a lot of fun for a reasonable price. Cenotes are available for zip-lining, cave diving, snorkeling and open or closed cenotes. They offer 3 cenotes, and provide towels and lockers. The price of this park is $35 per person. If you’re on a tight budget, this is the park for you.
Selvatica – This park offers cenotes as well as the option of an off-road Polaris tour. Mix and match activities or choose just one. This park is for those who want to experience the thrill of a cenote and are looking for an adventure. The park will provide transport to and from the hotel. You get 30% off when you book online. Around $70 per person is the cost.
Xcaret– This is the Disney Land of Cenote Parks. The most expensive, but it offers the best. This park has underground rivers, natural pools and lagoons. There are also nighttime entertainment options and dining options. The park is priced at around $111 per person.
Centoes Tips
**Tip 1 – Although most cenotes don’t have websites, they do have Facebook pages. For more information, you can visit their Facebook page. You can usually pay at the entrance to cenotes. If they don’t accept credit cards, I’d have cash in my pocket.
**Tip # 2– Sunblock is not permitted in cenotes. If you are going to an open cenote, I recommend wearing a long-sleeved SPF shirt. You can also go in the early morning or late afternoon.
**Tip # 3 Bring water shoes as it is easy to lose sandals when you are in the centoes. Also, you need to wear something that protects your feet.
You can now also book a tour package which includes a zip line, a cenote, and more. Some cenotes have their own parks or you can make a booking with a tour company. Zapotes, a park
Playa Del Carmen
Playa Del Carmen is the second best thing in Riveria Maya. This is a city you should not miss. This is a clean, nice-sized city. The city has a lot of food and nightlife. If you’re looking for a nightlife destination, Playa Del Carmen should be your first choice. Along with the beach clubs, there are also many bars and nightclubs.
5th Ave is a must-see in Playa Del Carmen. This is a street that has a lot to offer.
This beach was clean and free of seaweed. There are many hotels and restaurants on this beach. It was a great place to walk around.
Tulum
Tulum is a bohemian-style area that’s off the grid. There is a single road on the beach side that also has a jungle-side across the street. On both the jungle and beach side, there are hotels and restaurants. Tulum is currently experiencing a seaweed issue. There are people who clean up the seaweed every day. Tulum may not be the most popular beach at the moment. Tulum has many other attractions to explore.
Mayan Ruins: The beach was very beautiful, and there were no seaweeds. You can swim in a certain area.